Quasi-War with France (1796-1800)

 While France was a major, and vital, ally of the United States during the Revolutionary War, circumstances changed drastically after the conflict ended.  In 1794, France had its own revolution and the government that had supported the United States was toppled.  At the same time, commercial ties between the United States and Britain were growing rapidly.  The United States declared itself officially neutral in the conflict between Britain and France, traded much more with Britain than with France.  In 1796, France began seizing US ships trading with Britain.  French naval vessels and privateers began patrolling off the US coast.  The small flotilla of US Revenue Cutters engaged where they could, but were certainly outnumbered.  In March 1798, Congress directed completion of the frigates Constitution and Constellation.  In April, an additional twelve warships were authorized.  On April 30, 1798, Congress established the Department of the Navy.  In June, Congress authorized the commander and crew of any merchant vessel of the United States to oppose and defend against any attempted boarding by an armed vessel sailing under French colors.  In July, the United States officially rescinded its earlier treaties with France and, on July 9, 1798, Congress authorized the President to instruct the commanders of public armed vessels of the United States (that would be ships of the new US Navy and of the US Revenue Cutter Service) to subdue, seize, and take any armed French vessel found within the jurisdictional limits or the United States or on the high seas.  There were a number of armed engagements and US forces generally prevailed, but it must be noted that most of the actions on the French side were undertaken by privateers, the French Navy devoting most of its attention to opposing the Royal Navy.  The Quasi-War ended on September 30, 1800 with the signing of the Convention of 1800 in which both sides basically agreed to quit fighting.